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Absolute Security Systems Ltd
5 Langham Park, Catteshall Lane
Godalming (nr. Guildford)
Surrey GU7 1NG
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Over recent years there has been a rise in keyless car systems being hacked and cars being stolen. In many cases thieves using technology to fool keyless entry systems into thinking that the key is nearby, this is known as relay theft.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to stop the signal from your car key being amplified to the thief’s device, which puts your car at risk. In this article we answer some of the common questions around relay theft and give tips on how to prevent it.
Only cars that have a passive keyless entry system are at risk. These allow drivers to open and start their cars without removing the keyless fob from their pocket.
Cars with standard remote fobs are not at risk. If you have to push a button on the fob to gain entry, it’s not a keyless system and your car is not vulnerable to relay theft.
Thieves take advantage of a vulnerability in the keyless technology by finding a car parked close to the owner’s house – where the car key is usually kept.
Car thieves often work in pairs in relay attacks. One criminal will hold an amplification device up against the front wall of a home searching for a signal from the keyless fob. The device then relays the key’s signal to an accomplice, who is holding another device against the car door.
This fools the vehicle’s keyless entry system into thinking that the key is close by (usually these keys have a range of two meters), enabling one of the thieves to gain entry to the car.
Here are 5 simple ways to protect your car from theft at home.
Now the days are getting shorter, the longer nights give burglars a chance to do their work hidden by the cover of darkness. So to help you protect your property and valuable possessions this Autumn and Winter we have a dozen tips to help you keep things safe and secure.
Lock side gates with a secure lock (Bluetooth ones are now available), not just a simple bolt. Burglars love a dark, secluded rear access to a property along with an easy escape route. Try and avoid playing to their wishes and make your property difficult to access.
…with everygreen, spiky plants to again make entry and exit difficult,
…and most importantly don’t forget to turn it on when you leave the house. At night when you go to bed, try and remember to use the ‘part set’ mode. Most alarm systems have one.
– many systems come with night sensors as standard and the cameras act as a powerful visual deterrent to a potential intruder.
…is working on a regular basis. It’s often sensible to give the lights a clean or service from time to time as insects and spiders sometimes build their nests in them and cause glitches in their functionality.
…and don’t forget kitchen or bathroom windows as many people do.
…when you are not there by leaving a light on or a car in the drive. If you are going to be away for a while, invest in timer switches and call on the help of a neighbour or relative to check on the house, draw curtains at night and move any obvious build up of post or packages left at the door.
…to control access to your property.
…so they don’t attract the interest and tempt an intruder. If you are going to be away for some time, consider locking your valuables in a cupboard or safe preferably within a room protected by an intruder alarm detector.
Some intruders look out for messages such as these to alert them to empty properties.
Take a note of their description and notify the Police or your Neighbourhood Watch. They could be a burglar on a reconnaissance.
… (intruder alarm, electronic gate, CCTV etc) that comes with an app so you can ‘check-in’ and view your property’s status whilst you’re away.
Put your mind at rest by following these simple precautions and ensure you divert an intruder’s attention elsewhere this winter.
We’re often asked by homeowners how best to protect the outbuildings on their land, for example, barns, stables, garden sheds, workshops, home offices and their contents.
With wireless technology, intruder alarms, CCTV and access control systems can be extended to cover your outbuildings as well as your main property. In most cases you will need to have an electrical supply to the outbuilding that requires additional security, however, emerging solar technology is becoming more widely used as a substitute for remote buildings where getting a permanent hard-wired electrical supply is not practical.
With many remote detection systems, a detected event will trigger an alert to an app on your smart phone so you can initiate a prompt response, or view the incident real time via your CCTV.
There is also the option of smart Bluetooth padlocks to give added protection on outbuilding doors. Do also invest in good security lighting around your property. Many burglaries take place in the dark and security lighting helps to deter intruders.
And for home offices it is good to consider having a safe for important documents, disks and other vital things you need to work effectively.
Theft from outbuildings hasn’t lessened in recent years and it’s important to give those buildings as much protection as your main property. The good news is that your main security systems – intruder alarm, CCTV can be extended to cover those buildings. Contact one of our team for a free survey or for more information – tel 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk
We have seen a lot of customer interest recently in Video Doorbells. These let you respond remotely to visitors at your front door, using your smartphone, tablet and PC and feature an in-built HD camera.
Video doorbells give you a clear view from your front door or gate, day and night and are ideal for those who want greater protection and screening from nuisance calls or for those in a property alone by themselves. They bring a reassuring layer of additional security as well as convenience.
Flexible to work on any home and property, typical features of video doorbell systems include:
To learn more and find out our current prices for supplying and installing a video door bell in your home contact the Sales Team on tel 01483 791500.
With the pressures of day-to-day life, home security is often overlooked which is why National Home Security Month (NHSM) was set up in 2013. It seeks to raise awareness around the importance of home security so people can be safe in the knowledge that their home, family and belongings are protected.
This national campaign takes place every year in October and offers advice, information and support on how to secure your property.
The Absolute Security team has over 30years’ experience helping local homeowners protect their properties, families and possessions. Throughout October they will be sharing lots of home security tips and advice on their website, twitter, LinkedIn and facebook pages.
As Home Security experts, the team has a wealth of knowledge to draw on from their specialisms in:
Absolute Security has always been passionate about gaining the highest accreditations with all major security and fire detection professional bodies. It is an NSI Gold Member and a member of The BSIA (British Security Industry Association), BAFE, FIA (Fire Industry Association) and Constructionline.
The team are offering homeowners a free home security survey throughout October – for more information contact the Sales Team on t 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk
Over the past year there have been numerous reports in the press of burglars targeting businesses with smash and grab tactics to steal stock and cash. Increasingly we’ve heard of homes succumbing to this brutal form of burglary too. In an effort to make a speedy getaway, burglars are smashing through patio doors or windows to quickly grab valuable possessions, then run away. It would seem speed (not un-detection) is of key importance for them.
There are a number of things homeowners can do to prevent being targeted in this way. From our many years’ experience, and having worked closely with the Police and Crime Reduction Officers, here are five practical security precautions to put in place around your home.
1 Opt for toughened glass or window film on large windows and patio doors which may be attractive to a burglar as an access point into your home. These make it harder for them to shatter the glass and create a hole/entrance to climb through.
2 Don’t leave valuables visible through your windows. Put them out of view when you’re not at home – preferably in a safe. You may find that your insurance company require you to have a safe as part of your policy’s criteria.
3 Create layers of security (like an obstacle course) around your home so it’s difficult for a burglar to quickly get in and out. Think about the security of your gate and fencing, prickly/sharp plants in vulnerable access points to your site, security lighting, CCTV, intruder alarm and sensors and safes.
4 Make it look like you’re in when you’re out. Leave a vehicle on the drive, lights on timers and ensure deliveries aren’t left in a highly visible location. Burglars are getting more sophisticated in their surveillance to plan a raid, so if you see someone acting suspiciously around your property, contact your local Police. In fact our range of Intruder Alarm Systems can now turn on lights, activate your radio or even turn on the television if the alarm is activated.
5 Invest in remote monitoring so if your alarm sensor is activated a speedy response can be initiated. This can be linked up to CCTV too so you have evidence of the intruders.
All burglaries are distressing for the victims involved and smash and grab tactics add a more disturbing element. It is therefore important to try and avoid your property attracting an intruder’s attention. The more complex and involved it is to break in to, the more likely you will put a burglar off in targeting your home.
For more home security tips and advice – or to request a free security survey of your property, contact the Absolute Security sales team on 01483 791500 or email sales@absolutesecurity.co.uk
5 Langham Park, Catteshall Lane
Godalming (nr. Guildford)
Surrey GU7 1NG
Find us (Opens Google Maps)